First Timers  Bike Tour Reviews (page 9)

  • Mosel and Saar
    (5/5) Minna September 23, 2018

    Amazing Experience

    · · Mosel & Saar by Bike & Boat

    What was the date of your tour?
    9/1/2018
    How many tours have you completed?
    First one
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Much harder
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Germany
    • 4/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 3/5 Ease of navigation
    • 3/5 Tour documents
    • 2/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
    • 4/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) Miguel September 24, 2018
    · · Mosel & Saar by Bike & Boat

    What was the date of your tour?
    Sep1-8
    How many tours have you completed?
    1
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Germany
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 2/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 1/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • (5/5) Jan1 September 25, 2018

    Wonderful bike trip

    · · Mosel & Saar by Bike & Boat

    This was my first bike n boat trip. It was better than I expected. I had taken a big river boat trip and this was so much better. The trails and small towns and vineyards were amazing. I would do this again. The crew was the best!

    What was the date of your tour?
    Sept. 1
    How many tours have you completed?
    First one!
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Germany
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • (5/5) San30 May 5, 2019

    A trip like never before

    · · Mosel & Saar by Bike & Boat

    The bike tour was an amazing first time experience. The crew of Patria are charming and kind and helpful. Thank you for a once in a lifetime kind of trip

    What was the date of your tour?
    April 20th 2019
    How many tours have you completed?
    My First one
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Germany
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 3/5 Route selection
    • 3/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) Anita May 20, 2019

    Amazing Germany

    · · Mosel & Saar by Bike & Boat

    The boat Patria and the staff there were excellent ! The dinners were fantastic ! The maps were good and so were bikes.

    What was the date of your tour?
    20 April 2019
    How many tours have you completed?
    three
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Much easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Germany
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • (5/5) CPUT June 25, 2019

    Great multi-generational family trip

    · · Mosel & Saar by Bike & Boat

    This trip was such a great experience, especially with the availability of e-bikes, I would recommend it for just about anyone. The food aboard exceeded my expectations every day. It was self-guided, and the provided daily briefings and maps were completely sufficient for us to find our way. We did it with an age range of 9 years to 73 years, and everyone was successful. Bikes are not high-end, but they worked. We had some trouble with seat and handlebar adjustments for the shorter members of our group, but it all worked out in the end. The crew of the Patria was exceptional. They were professional, helpful, and provided excellent service throughout. It was particularly nice that passengers were allowed to stay aboard during the day if they needed a rest day or didn't want to deal with biking on a day of solid rain. Terrific first-time bike tour experience.

    What was the date of your tour?
    June 8 -15
    How many tours have you completed?
    0
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Germany
    • 4/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • (5/5) PencilM August 27, 2019
    · · Mosel & Saar by Bike & Boat

    What was the date of your tour?
    Aug 9-Aug 17
    How many tours have you completed?
    1
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Germany
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) sandd September 8, 2019

    The perfect way to see the Mosel

    · · Mosel & Saar by Bike & Boat

    Good food, fantastic staff, excellent cycling paths, met interesting people.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Aug 24-31
    How many tours have you completed?
    none
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Germany
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) CERT Bib September 12, 2019
    · · Mosel & Saar by Bike & Boat

    We tied this trip with another bike and barge tour making it a month long trip. It was a trip of a life time.

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 2019
    How many tours have you completed?
    3
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Germany
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
  • (5/5) Stan September 13, 2021

    An Ideal Vacation

    · · Mosel & Saar by Bike & Boat

    Riding the Mosel River in Germany is to experience seven days of sheer beauty of countless vineyards planted in a wild geometry on the steep valleys along the river. The villages with the profusion of flowers bursting from every window make you feel you have stepped into a story book. I've done this trip twice. Once with a regular bike and once with an Ebike. The Ebike is easier, of course, but the regular bike was very doable for an 84 year old who is just a weekend rider.

    What was the date of your tour?
    July, 2017 and Sept.4, 2021
    How many tours have you completed?
    Four
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Germany
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) Kim Wasik September 19, 2024

    Biking, Vinyards, and Castles

    · · Mosel & Saar by Bike & Boat

    Biking along the beautiful Mosel River with a view of the Reisling Vinyards, and a warm reception aboard our floating hotel was a wonderful experience.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Sept 7 2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    4
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Germany
    • The view from Zell (photo by Kim Wasik)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • (5/5) CAROLYN DAVIES October 3, 2024

    Cycling Mosel

    · · Mosel & Saar by Bike & Boat

    Enjoyable riding. With an e-bike there was plenty of time to see some local sites along the way. Didn’t find the Guibo app to work well, preferred analog maps! More directions/addresses to local monuments would have been helpful.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Sept 2924
    How many tours have you completed?
    4
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Germany
    • 4/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) David and Cherie 5 months ago

    Highlight of our European trip

    · · Mosel & Saar by Bike & Boat

    What a fantastic experience. Exceeded all our expectations. Cycling on an e-bike was almost effortless (although after a couple of days we were glad we brought our padded gel seats). The cycling was mostly flat and mostly on dedicated cycle paths. Very rarely wrre you on the road with the cars.
    The food was a class above what we were expecting. Breakfast was plentiful and dinner was delicious and well presented.
    We received a discount for our room (#227) as it was at the rear of the boat and was affected by engine noise. To be honest the noise when moored was no worse than most aircon units. Our room was also 1 sq metre larger than most others which meant we had a double bed (as opposed to two singles) and had plenty of room for our clothing and luggage in the twin wardrobes and drawers.
    Julia, the cruise director, was fantastic at explaining the ins and outs of each up,-coming day and organising the additional shore excursions.
    Being the first week of May there were many shops, cafes and restaurants along the way that weren't open but we always found somewhere to stop and rest. It also meant the roads and cycleways were not so busy, as the would be in the holiday season.
    Overall a great blend of history, scenery and relaxation. Looking forward to our next trip.

    What was the date of your tour?
    May 2025
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Germany
    •  (photo by David and Cherie)
    •  (photo by David and Cherie)
    •  (photo by David and Cherie)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • (5/5) Anne Jesse 2 months ago

    Top Notch Tour of the Mosel Valley

    · · Mosel & Saar by Bike & Boat

    This was the most wonderful way to experience the Mosel River area. Our cabins on the Princesse Royal were quite comfortable and spacious, including the private bathroom. The boat was beautiful and accommodating, and the meals were perfect for bicyclists. We appreciated the option to cycle on our own, but could join either group if we chose. The guides were energetic, helpful and entertaining. And the rest of the staff were very accommodating and friendly. And we were so impressed with our fellow travelers on the boat. Apparently they have hit the sweet spot with marketing and attract the most interesting types of cyclists.

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 2025
    How many tours have you completed?
    I have been bike touring for over 30 years and have bike toured in 58 countries.
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Germany
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Neckar and Rhine
    (5/5) Miles September 19, 2017

    Wonderful time

    · · Neckar & Rhine Rivers by Bike and Boat

    Best way to see the little towns and castles of the Rhine valley. Took the time to ride through the old small towns and little cobblestone streets along the way which don't have a ton of tourists. We made a special effort to eat at small, local restaurants in these towns it that was some of the most memorable moments of the trip. We'll be planning another trip for next year we enjoyed this one so much.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Week after Labor Day
    How many tours have you completed?
    0
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Germany
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • (5/5) Domenico September 26, 2017
    · · Neckar & Rhine Rivers by Bike and Boat

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 9 to 16
    How many tours have you completed?
    10
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with young kids, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Germany
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Rhine Bike Path
    (5/5) Alan October 28, 2015

    The trip was perfect

    · Rhine Bike Path: Mainz to Cologne

    All the hotel owners were great, the documentation on where to go was sufficient, and I had an absolute fantastic time.

    How many tours have you completed?
    0
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Families with teens, Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Germany
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • (5/5) 2travelers November 5, 2015

    Loved every minute

    · Rhine Bike Path: Mainz to Cologne

    This was our first bike vacation and didn't know what to expect, we loved every minute! We chose Bike Tours Direct because they allowed us to change the itinerary to include 2 extr days in Lorch, the town that shares my husbands family name! After all this was his 60th birthday trip. We had a magically stay in Lorch, met the Mayor who gave us the town flag and put our picture on their FB page! Fun.
    We never saw the team that picked up our luggage, but sure enough our bags were always waiting for us at our next stop. The entire bike trip was beatiful, historical and we can't wait to go again.
    Thanks Bike Tours Direct, you rock!

    How many tours have you completed?
    1
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Much easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Families with teens, Solo travelers, Families with young kids, First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Germany
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • (5/5) Paulie July 6, 2016

    When the Weather Agrees The Rhine is Beautiful

    · Rhine Bike Path: Mainz to Cologne

    Flat, well-marked path. Castles. Wine. Beer. Friendly hotel staffs. For what more could I ask?
    If possible opt-out of the dinner package, restaurants in all towns visited are plentiful. The menu selection available is very limited and beverages are not included in the price of dinner.

    What was the date of your tour?
    June 2016
    How many tours have you completed?
    0
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Much easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Germany
    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • (5/5) krpete July 12, 2016

    60th Birthday Celebration

    · Rhine Bike Path: Mainz to Cologne

    My wife took me on this beautiful Rhine bike ride for my 60th birthday. What a great way to experience Germany first hand! All of the bed-and-breakfast-style hotels were wonderful, clean and well-apportioned. Breakfast in the morning always had a great selection of foods, leaving us well-energized each day to hit the trail. We rode at our own pace every day, stopping on a whim to look at this, that, and the other thing. We toured castles, Roman ruins, shopped (the panniers were large enough to accommodate most items we bought), ate snacks and lunch, and took advantage of any and all photo ops. At the end of each afternoon we had time to do a walking tour of each town we stayed in, eat a stellar dinner and then have a hot shower and a good night's rest. The weather and temperature were very cooperative, just perfect. We absolutely cannot wait to do this again next spring. We are already planning another BikeTour.com trip to another destination. Best vacay ever!

    What was the date of your tour?
    May 17, 2016
    How many tours have you completed?
    1
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Germany
    • On the ferry crossing the Rhine. (photo by krpete)
    • Typical view from the trail. (photo by krpete)
    • Through the woods. (photo by krpete)
    • Castles everywhere along the route. (photo by krpete)
    • High above the Rhine. Gorgeous! (photo by krpete)
    • Celebrating after another day's ride. (photo by krpete)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 2/5 Ease of navigation
    • 3/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection